MCDOWELL HIT HARD IN HIS FINAL TUNEUP

Jack McDowell was hammered for six runs in five innings Thursday as the Pirates defeated the White Sox 8-3.

McDowell (4-1) made his last start of the spring. He is scheduled to pitch the season opener at Minnesota Tuesday.

"I just didn't throw strikes today," said McDowell, who walked three Pirates in the third inning then gave up a grand slam to Kevin Young.

The Sox left for Las Vegas immediately after the game. They are scheduled to play the Padres Friday night and the Cubs Saturday afternoon before ending the exhibition season on Sunday against the Padres. They have a day off Monday.

- Catcher Ron Karkovice was 2 for 4 with a home run, his first of the spring. It came off knuckleballer Tim Wakefield, who got the victory. Karkovice is batting .320. Seven of his 16 hits have been for extra bases.

- Right-hander Ramon Garcia took it in stride when he was sent back down to Triple-A Nashville on Thursday.. "I know I'll be back," said Garcia, who has thrown 242 innings since the start of last season. He had 170 innings at Triple-A Vancouver last year, another 60 in winter ball and 12 in spring training. He had a sore elbow at the start of spring training but has pitched through it. "No problem," said Garcia. "It feels fine now."

- Closer Roberto Hernandez was hit hard by the Pirates on Thursday. He gave up two runs on four hits in one inning of work.